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The genus Leporacanthicus
is characterised by the possession of having a small suckermouth
with lip barbels on the top and pointed teeth. Leporacanthicus
is readily identifiable from all other Ancistrini by the development
of only two teeth in each premaxilla, the inner teeth being very
long (all other Ancistrini have more than two teeth in the premaxilla),
by having a well-raised supraoccipital crest (the supraoccipital
in most Ancistrini is flat to slightly raised) and by having numerous
long barbels above the upper jaws. It has been hypothesized that
the enlarged teeth of the upper jaw are used to remove snails
from their shells (Burgess 1994). The males have a more elongated
body and a broader head and they also posses short odontodes on
the edges of the snout which the females lack. Aquarium
Care: This fish can be territorial with its own kind
and so must have a big enough aquarium if more than one is kept.
Regular water changes must be adhered to, and also having a powerful
filter system that can deliver a high oxygen content. Hiding places
are beneficial to this fish with bogwood or wood of some description
and/or some rockwork. This beautiful species has been bred in
the hobby (see Factsheet no. 63.).
Diet: Not a true vegetarian so a wide variety
of foods including algae, algae wafers, cucumber or courgette
( zucchini), prawns, shrimps and tablet food.